Shul News & Notes
Long-Range Planning Committee’s Survey Results Tabulated
Nearly 50 percent of the congregation responded to the Long-Range Planning Committee’s survey, committee member Judith Weiner said at the shul’s November board of directors meeting. The results of the survey will help guide the committee as it plans for a meaningful future for our shul, she said.
Significant among the responses were preferences for classes and lectures in Jewish history, initiatives to attract new members and new fundraising efforts, and a willingness among approximately 83% of respondents to participate in discussions about long-range plans.
Commenting on the survey, shul president Susan Rosenstreich said the responses show “positive energy and a commitment to our synagogue.”
The committee will offer a more detailed presentation to members at the Dec. 15 congregation meeting.
Hanukkah Essentials On Sale at Dec. 15 Congregation Meeting
The first Hanukkah candle is Sunday, Dec. 22. Do you have candles? Do you have chocolate gelt coins? Do you have dreidels? Golly jeepers, do you have a menorah?
Rest easy and rest assured, from menorahs to chocolate coins and dreidels, from those tall and majestic candles to the colorful shorties, the shul’s Gift Shop is stocked and ready to accommodate. Gift, too, of course. Menorahs for children and adults, mezuzahs plain and fancy, books for children and adults, candlesticks, wine cups, and accessories for the Jewish home will brighten Hanukkah for friends, family and your own abode.
Call the shul at 631-477-0232 and leave a message for Sara Bloom, and you’ll be on your way to Hanukkah happiness. Or, for last minute shopping, come to the Congregation meeting on Sunday, Dec. 15 (10 a.m.), and browse the Hanukkah goodies on display.
Dec. 22: Come For The Menorah Lighting; Come For The Latkes
It’s time for Hanukkah fun, and the shul is planning a happy celebration to usher in the holiday. It all begins on Sunday, Dec. 22, at 5 p.m., when we will gather in Mitchell Park to light the first candle on Greenport’s giant menorah. Jews and non-Jews are invited to witness the menorah lighting, which is taking place this year on the first of the eight nights of Hanukkah.
In the spirit of ecumenism, the menorah will remain lighted throughout the holiday season, sharing the park with the Village’s Christmas tree in a display of friendship and respect among religions. With that in mind, the synagogue invites all those who attend the menorah lighting in the park to join the members and friends of the congregation for a Hanukkah party in the community room of the synagogue. Latkes and jelly doughnuts will be served. A ukulele group will entertain.
Rabbi Gadi Capela, spiritual leader of the synagogue, will lead those attending the menorah lighting ceremony in blessings and songs of the holiday. Scheduled to participate in the Mitchell Park program are synagogue president Susan Rosenstreich and other local dignitaries.
Hanukkah, called the Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after desecration by Antiochus IV during the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah also is a reminder of the miracle that took place then. With only enough consecrated oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day, the oil burned for eight days — the length of time needed to press, prepare and consecrate sacred oil.
In recognition of the importance of oil in this holiday, we prepare and eat foods deepfried in oil, such as potato pancakes and jelly doughnuts. Other celebrations associated with Hanukkah include playing the Dreidel Game, exchanging gifts, and giving gelt in small net bags of chocolate coins.
For more information about the menorah lighting in Mitchell Park, call the synagogue at
631-477-0232.
Did You Pledge Your Support For Our Shul On Yom Kippur?
Traditionally on Yom Kippur, synagogue officers around the world address their congregations
in search of a pledge of support to help perpetuate the local Jewish presence. This year, our shul’s vice president, Madelyn Rothman, spoke to our Yom Kippur worshippers, and many responded with their contributions. Did you?
For readers who would like to join their co-members in support of Congregation Tifereth Israel’s synagogue and its spiritual, educational and social programming, The Shofar offers excerpts from the vice president’s remarks:
“A few weeks ago, I was at a Sisterhood meeting here, and we went around the table answering the question, ‘Why is Congregation Tifereth Israel important to you?’ What I realized is that each of us comes here for our own personal reasons, but the commonality is our shared Jewish identity.
“We appreciate the founders of our synagogue who, more than 100 years ago, had the vision and insight to realize the importance of having a synagogue in Greenport, and who had the will and ability to build it. We also appreciate the people who have maintained the synagogue and expanded it over the years.
“Whether your family has a rich history with Congregation Tifereth Israel, or even if you are with us for the first time, we need your participation, volunteerism, and your financial support. Please contribute generously to help ensure the continuation of our historic, beloved synagogue. Thank you.”
John Henry Spar Bar Mitzvah Shabbat
Friday Night Service – November 29th at 7.30 PM
followed by
a festive dessert Oneg with guest speaker Dr. Efraim Chalamish
and a capella chorus Shir Soul.
Saturday Morning Service – November 30th at 9.30 AM
followed by
a festive Kiddush lunch with another presentation
by Dr. Efraim Chalamish
and more songs by a capella chorus Shir Soul.
The theme of the talks is:
Vision and Reality
U.S. and Israel – Assessing the Political-Economic Nexus
Dr. Efraim Chalamish
is an international economic law Prof., advisor, and commentator. He has been involved in international legal practice in New York, Paris and Israel, along with research and analysis of cutting edge areas in public and private international economic law. He served as a Global Fellow at New York University, exploring global governance of corporations and multilateral institutions, the intersection of business and national security, energy and sovereign wealth funds’ economics and policy, international investment arbitration, and global governance and financial regulation.
In the Q&A period you will have a chance to ask about the effects of current developments in Israel and America and how they affect each other economically and politically.
Shir Soul
is the premier Jewish wedding band, a cappella group and DJ in the New York City metro area. Founded in 2005 by renowned singer David Ross, Shir Soul has since performed across the United States and internationally.
Shir Soul will perform during the Oneg on Friday night and the Kiddush on Shabbat.
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